Doughnut Mafia on Halkidiki: Brutal War for Sweet Monopoly on Beaches
Did you know there’s a real war raging on the Greek beaches of Halkidiki? No, not between countries, but a bloody battle for control over the sale of doughnuts! Yes, doughnuts — those sweet treats beloved by tourists. But behind this seemingly innocent snack lies a full-blown mafia drama.
16 Years in Prison for the Doughnut Mafia Boss
A three-member criminal appeals court in Thessaloniki sentenced a 42-year-old man to 16 years in prison for leading the so-called doughnut mafia. This organized criminal group terrorized sellers and tourists on Halkidiki’s busiest beaches during the summer season, from May to September, aiming to take full control over doughnut sales. The gang leader was found guilty of repeated extortion, membership and leadership of a criminal group, threats, violence, and attacks on rival sellers. The court did not consider any mitigating circumstances, and the sentence was enforced immediately.
Doughnuts as a Lucrative Business – Daily Turnover Over 1,000 Euros!
Though it may seem like a small-time business, doughnut sales on Halkidiki generate huge profits. Dealers buy doughnuts from producers at about 0.50 euros each, while tourists pay up to four times that price. Estimates suggest daily turnovers exceed 1,000 euros, with monthly profits during the tourist season reaching tens of thousands of euros. No wonder criminal groups are willing to go to extreme lengths — including armed clashes — to maintain their monopoly.
Brutal Attacks and Intimidation
The most shocking example of violence occurred in August last year when a 44-year-old doughnut seller from Georgia was brutally beaten near his car in Nikiti. Attackers assaulted him with fists and stones, and one even fired a shot in his direction. Fortunately, bystanders intervened and saved him. The attackers drove a VW Touareg with covered license plates and fled towards the beach when locals started coming out onto balconies.
Migrants Offered Jobs, But Also Extortion
Many new sellers, mostly migrants, were recruited into the mafia network with promises of jobs and papers but had to hand over part of their earnings as protection money to the gang leader. Those who tried to work independently or refused to pay were threatened and attacked.
Gang Wars on Halkidiki – Bulgarians, Albanians, and Serbs in the Mix
Halkidiki has been a battleground for years between criminal gangs, mainly Bulgarians and Albanians, all vying for monopoly over doughnut sales. Beaches like Nikiti, Toroni, and Sarti are the most profitable, with thousands of tourists daily. Estimates say that between 3,000 and 4,000 doughnuts are sold daily on the busiest beaches, generating over 8,000 euros weekly. The money is split between dealers and organizers, who in return provide protection and eliminate competition.
Why Don’t Victims Report?
Victims rarely report violence due to fear of retaliation or deportation, especially if they lack legal residency in Greece. This climate of fear allows the mafia to operate and expand unchecked.
Conclusion: The Doughnut Mafia Is No Movie Plot
This case shows how seemingly harmless seasonal jobs can become fields of organized crime, especially in tourist hotspots where daily cash flow attracts those seeking easy money. Although the gang leader is now behind bars, local media warn that such networks are hard to eradicate, as demand for doughnuts and profits remain high. New criminal clans are waiting in the wings to take over.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a doughnut on Halkidiki, maybe it’s time to think about the bloody price behind that sweet treat. What do you think — is this just the tip of the iceberg, or will the doughnut mafia spread to other tourist destinations? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll uncover more dark secrets of summer beaches!
